Page 86 of The Reluctant Wife

"Empress." I hold her gaze as I prowl into the conservatory.

I have missed her so much. I’ve had to stop myself from throwing open the door that separates her suite from mine, stomping in, taking her in my arms, and kissing her.

I've been aching for her these past few weeks, but it’s more important that I ensure nothing is left to chance around the security arrangements for our wedding.

I’ve spent every possible second working with Tyler and pulling in trusted security personnel to assist with the protection details around the wedding. I haven’t been able to sleep at night, thinking of the woman next door, who is my life—I'll analyze that later—but I’ve stopped myself from going to her, knowing it was important to keep my attention solely on what matters. Her safety.

Her blue eyes light up before she reins in her pleasure, and it lights up something inside of me. I hold out my hand, and she places her much smaller one in mine. A frisson of sensations zipsup my arm. I revel in the touch of her soft skin, draw in her sweet scent, gaze into those gorgeous eyes of hers, and feel like I can finally breathe.

She’s my sustenance, the balm to my soul, the reason for my existence. I was spared in all those encounters when I was a Marine only so I could be here—with her, drawing the same air as her, being in the same space as her. She’s a goddess, and I’m not worth the dirt beneath her feet.

I bring her delicate hand to my mouth and kiss her knuckles.

"Aww." The woman sitting in the chair on her right sighs.

The other two watch me with guarded expressions.

I want her friends and her family to like me. I want them to know that I have her best interests at heart.

I squeeze her fingers gently, and a shudder runs up her arm. She’s affected by my touch just as much as I am by hers.

I need to keep my wits about me until we’re married, and the ceremony has gone off without a hitch.

Aware of the eyes on us, and not wanting to make her self-conscious in front of her friends, I release her hand and take a few steps back. I survey the group. "Ladies"—I make eye contact and nod at each in turn—"it’s a pleasure."

"Sorry, I should have introduced you." My Empress appears flustered. "This is my, uh…fiancé, Ryot Davenport."

"We know." The blonde woman who seemed taken in by my gesture earlier smiles warmly at me. "I’m Harper Richie, Aura’s friend from university."

"A pleasure." I smile back, turning on the charm.

She flushes, and her smile broadens.

I turn to Zoey, who I met previously. "I’m so glad you made it for the wedding. I know the princess has been looking forward to having all of you here."

Zoey smiles graciously. The suspicion in her eyes is still there, though.

"Aura is a very dear friend, and it hasn’t been easy for her to live her life according to the restrictions being part of the Royal Family has imposed on her. She deserves to be happy, and if you do anything to hurt her, you’ll have us to contend with."

My Empress shoots her a look of surprise. She opens her mouth to speak, but I interject, "I care too much about her to hurt her. You have my word; I’ll never do anything to break her heart."And I mean it. I’d cleave out my own, before I'd allow anything cause her any pain.

The princess whips her head in my direction. I sense the questions on her lips, the curiosity on her features. I want to say more, but I'm not sure how to form the words without giving away the depth of what I’m feeling. So, I walk over to stand behind her and place my hand on her shoulder. She hesitates, then rests her hand over mine. The softness of her touch melts something around my heart. Some of the tension goes out of my shoulders.

Zoey seems taken aback by my words. She looks from me to the princess, and a small smile plays around her lips. One which makes me shift my weight in discomfort.

The dark-haired woman sitting opposite us tips up her chin. "Grace McFee." She sniffs. Her voice is almost as imperious as that of the princess.

"I caught your exposé on the corruption at the local council level; very insightful and courageous reporting."

She nods slowly. Her gaze is still wary, but the skin around her eyes softens somewhat. A tough customer, this one. But I’m going to do my best to win her over.

"I've arranged for security for all of you ladies."

"Is that essential?" Grace frowns.

I incline my head. "I’m not taking any chances when it comes to the safety of my fiancée, or of any of her guests.”

“But there haven’t been any threats since Aura came to Verenza,” Harper points out.

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